"The War has Commenced! Batteries Opened on Fort Sumter!! Gen. Beauregard has Opened the Ball!!!" Also included is the text of a telegram sent to Colonel G. W. Gayle by J. F. Whitfield in Montgomery, Alabama, informing him of the event.

In preparation for General Lafayette's visit to Alabama, the committee hired Flanagan to clean and make repairs to the state house in Cahaba; the supplies used to do the work (such as paint, brushes, turpentine, and putty) are also listed. A note...

In preparation for General Lafayette's visit to Alabama, the committee purchased a thousand copies of various handbills and several packages of dining cards. A note on the back confirms that payment was received.

In preparation for General Lafayette's visit to Alabama, the committee purchased several types of alcoholic beverages (including brandy, wine, and "Jamaica Spirrits"), cigars, and oranges. A note on the back confirms that payment was received.

In the letter Craig discusses a dispute over a "negro girl claimed" by one man but in the possession of another. He asks Pettus to give his input, and he encloses a copy of a letter written by one of the men involved in the disagreement.

In the letter Mason and Dexter describe the climate, landscape, and business opportunities of the area: "No part of the United States offers greater encouragement to the adventurer, especially the agriculturist than Alabama. The country is yet new,...

In the letter Mrs. Collins explains that most of the men in the area have gone to war, leaving the women, children, and elderly men unprotected; of particular concern are the unsupervised slaves on the plantations. She asks the governor to excuse...

In the letter the men ("who signed the late treaty with the United States ") report that William McIntosh and several others were recently killed by fellow Creeks, who also "sentenced death to us." The chiefs have "taken refuge under the whites in...